Over this past weekend, I went to the Yoga Conference in Toronto. As I always do, I went around tasting all the food and drinks they had available. My husband laughed at me asking, "I thought this was a yoga show? Why is there so much food?" It was all natural or health supplements I told him. One booth really caught my attention and I couldn't stop thinking about it! It was a juice bar! The juices they had were so fresh and tasty, I had to make some! So, last night I bottled my own green juice and then made protein muffins with the pulp.

I don't own a juicer so I used my blender and then strained it until the pulp was really dry. It worked really well I have to say!

The taste was pretty good! I would add more dry ingredients to my muffins next time though. And there definitely will be a next time! It was a fantastic energy booster, and filling snack.

Below are the recipes I used. I tried to make the muffins with the least amount of ingredients as possible so if you try it, you may tweak the recipe as you wish, but this worked well for me.

]]>Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:55:20 GMThttp://www.kolayoga.com/blog/mindful-artDo you have a go-to activity that keeps your mind stimulated? Is it something that brings calm or calamity to your soul? Do you have the tendency to over-think? There are two things in particular that I have found to bring a sense of calm to my mind. You see, I am a thinker. My mind wanders a lot. I have the tendency to over-think. But when I engage in either of these two activities, my mind is focused on the task at hand, and is at peace.

Exercise (including yoga, running, boxing) is my favourite pastime activity, I mean, I teach exercise for a reason, I must believe in it :) But there's something else I believe is very stimulating and good for my soul. ART! I love creating things! I am not very good at painting or drawing but I love crafting and sewing. I love decorating my home with things I have made. I notice that whatever stresses that occupy my mind during the day are completely absent from my mind during the times I am engrossed in a project. To me, I call it Mindful Art! Art that brings peace and joy to my mind.

My most recent project was this mat bag. It holds 2 mats or 1 mat and 2 blocks.

]]>Sun, 06 Sep 2015 04:43:57 GMThttp://www.kolayoga.com/blog/just-breatheToday I met with a patient of mine whom I had worked with previously. His hands were more rigid and extremely sore to the slightest touch than when I saw him last. He became anxious with the thought of exercise and told me that moving his hands made the pain much worse. I told him that not moving it would cause more of a long term problem causing even more pain. But he was fearful. I then told him to breathe. I said, "Relax your hand, close your eyes and just breathe." He relaxed just a little bit and breathed normally. I held his arm and wrist to allow his hands to gently relax and guided him into a focused deep breathing. Little by little his range of motion increased while his level of pain slightly decrease.

Our breathe can calm the toughest of fears and even ease some pain. Take time everyday to focus on your breath. Listen to what it is telling you. Feel where it is coming from and where it feels constricted. Breath is life. You control it.

Beginners Guide to Pranayama: Samavrtti

Begin by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and place a rolled up towel or blanket behind you, then lay down on the bolster as it supports your spine and opens up your chest. Place another folded blanket under your head and lay in Savasana (Corpse Pose). Close your eyes, relax your legs allowing your feet to fall to the side and rest your arms along your side with your palms facing up. Breathe naturally and just listen to your breath. After several moments of observing your breath, begin to guide your breath to a smooth and even pattern. This breath is called "Samavrtti", for example, inhale for 6 seconds and exhale for 6 second. Breathe from your diaphragm. Notice the rise and fall. Begin to notice yourself relax more deeply.

You have now practiced one of the many yoga breaths. Stay tuned for more!